I ♥ Aprons

I s there anyone out there who doesn't own at least one apron? In fact, I'd venture to say that many of you reading this may have far more than just one apron in their closet.

If you're a fan of aprons, you'll be a fan of a new (free) e-book… aptly called, I ♥ Aprons™.

The e-book was developed by my blogging friend, Judith Norman-a longtime crafter who has had a penchant for beautiful aprons since she was a little girl. This pretty, floral apron is one of the 10 creative and easy projects in the e-book.

Of course, aprons aren't just for grown-ups and you'll find designs for little ones too.

Meanwhile, I conducted a little Q&A with Judith to give you even more details about the e-book and her Craft Chat Eat launch.

Judith Norman, Editor/Owner-I ♥ Aprons

LISA-Q: You’ve loved aprons since you were a little girl. Why do you think aprons have such long-lasting, generational appeal?

JUDITH-A: "Aprons – OMGoodness! There’s a feeling of comfort and security that you get when you either put one on or see someone else wearing one. I have strong memories of my grandmothers in their kitchens wearing aprons while preparing meals, hemming school uniforms, or giving “man” advice. It was their uniform. When those phenomenal women tied those apron strings around their necks and waist, it meant it was time to release the creativity and love within themselves and share it with their families".

LISA-Q: What was the inspiration behind the I heart Aprons project?

JUDITH-A: "The inspiration behind I ♥ Aprons™ was my desire to introduce myself and Craft Chat Eat – Web TV for Creative Living to the online community and show them the quality of content they can expect from the site when it launches later this year.

Someone asked me why I chose to have aprons featured in Craft Chat Eat’s logo. My response was that I feel aprons represent the very best qualities in a woman: nurturer, creator, and giver. It was important to me that the aprons and the photography featured in I ♥ Aprons™ showcased these qualities and captured the beauty of the women wearing them.

I was fortunate to find nine creative bloggers willing to contribute their talent. I also had a phenomenal creative team consisting of: an illustrator, video production crew, and a graphic designer, who helped execute my vision. Also, several companies – Aurifil, Coats & Clark, RedHeart Yarns, and WoolFeltCentral.com – provided much needed financial support."

I ♥ Aprons™ is the first of three pre-launch enhanced e-books to be produced by Craft Chat Eat. Just to tease your readers, our next book will focus on food. And, that’s all I have to say about that.

All photos courtesy: Judith Norman

LISA-Q: Modern day aprons definitely are not your grandmother’s aprons anymore. They’re as fashionable as they are functional these days. How do you think aprons and the wearing of them have evolved over the years.

JUDITH-A: "I think there has been an apron renaissance in last few years. And, I love it.

For a while, women were pressured to downplay their femininity. I think the Internet and the abundance of creative blogs where women unapologetically share their homemaking talents with an enthusiastic audience has given us permission to come out of hiding and wear our aprons proudly".

LISA-Q: Full apron or half waist. Do you have a personal preference?

JUDITH-A: "My personal preference would be whichever apron is the prettiest. Full or half waist, really doesn’t matter. I like “pretty.” And, “pretty” to me means flowers, pleats, and ruffles".

LISA-Q: What are you hoping readers take away from this enhanced e-book?

JUDITH-A: "The take away fromI ♥ Aprons™ would be: “I did it!”

As a former craft teacher, I’ve witnessed the fear some women have of trying new things. Of course, by the end of the class, the cocoon has busted opened and the emboldened butterfly has emerged.

I made sure that the aprons included in I ♥ Aprons™ were not only beautiful, but were also easy-to-make. Each pattern was tested three times. Plus, we’ve included helpful illustrations and three video tutorials. So, no matter what your level of sewing or creative skill, there’s at least one apron in the book, you’ll be able to do".

I ♥ Aprons (free enhanced e-book available now)

LISA-Q: The I ♥ Aprons™ e-book is a great springboard for your Craft Chat Eat venture. What can readers expect from that new network?

JUDITH-A: "Craft. Chat. Eat. – Web TV for Creative Living will launch in late 2013 with five (5) original, long-form crafts, DIY, and cooking lifestyle online video series. You'll meet people who dare to live a creative life. Some will be entrepreneurs. Some will be passionate about food. Some will build (or rebuild) things. We’re going beyond the basic how-to videos and highlighting the people and process. It won't be your grandma's craft TV".

Big thanks to Judith for a great interview and for giving us a closer look at her I ♥ Aprons™ e-book.

Intro

Hi there! I’m Lisa Tutman-Oglesby and I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many interests. I love home decorating, thrift store finds, French Macarons and sparkling blackberry fruit drink. I'm also quite smitten (OK, slightly obsessed) with making pretty food and then taking lots of pictures of it. Take a look around and enjoy my tasty recipes, do-it-yourself projects and colorful inspiration to make your home and life more beautiful.